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LUC has already helped to produce guidance on the Appropriate Assessment of plans and is currently one of the leading consultancies undertaking this process.
The European 'Habitats Directive' provides legal protection for nature conservation sites throughout Europe. It has established a network of protected sites known as Natura 2000, which comprise designated 'Special Areas of Conservation' and 'Special Protection Areas'. Designated 'Ramsar' wetland sites are afforded a similar level of protection. The Habitats Directive requires any plan or project likely to have a significant effect on a Natura 2000 site to be subject to the Appropriate Assessment of its implications on the site in view of the site's conservation objectives. According to the Directive, the plan or project may then only be agreed upon if it can be ascertained that it will not have an adverse effect on any Natura 2000 site.
Our Approach
We use our extensive knowledge and experience of plan-making and similar techniques for environmental assessment, and employ a hierarchy of avoidance, mitigation, alternatives and compensation to ensure the best result for protected habitats.
We undertake:
Appropriate Assessment must be undertaken for all Development Plan Documents and development projects that are likely to affect a Natura 2000 site. These may include:
- Regional Spatial Strategies
- Local Development Frameworks
- Supplementary Planning Documents
- Implementation Plans
- Major Development Projects.
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